Zoo - Parc Zoològic

The apes are a fascinating highlight of the Zoo

The approximately 13-hectare Parque Zoológico de Barcelona houses about 5,500 animals, featuring over 400 species. The zoo area is part of the Parc de la Ciutadella; to the opening of the zoo in September 1892 the area was used prior for the Universal Exhibition of 1888.The zoo has several components: in addition to the fauna of mammals, amphibians and reptiles, the exhibition areas also show the flora from the homes of the animals.

Among the highlights, the following animal worlds are particularly noteworthy: the large primates and marine mammals, such as dolphins. Both species have been successfully bred here. Thus, the bottlenose dolphins gave birth to their latest offspring on 13 October. Previously zoos caught dolphins in the wild to train them for the show. This has earned the dolphinariums a dubious reputation. Today only breeded dolphins are trained for the shows.

Visiting the zoo

The Areas at Barcelona Zoo

KomodosThis area has recently been completely refurbished and redesigned. There are five species from the Asia-Pacific region here: the largest living lizards, the Kommodo Dragon, Muntjac deer and several bird species.

AviaryThis area was renovated in 2002, creating different ecosystems, such as those found in American, Asian and African jungles. Rare birds are kept and bred here.

The FarmThe farm houses the least spectacular of domestic farm animals: pigs, goats, sheep, rabbits, hamsters and a breed of Catalan donkeys that was nearly threatened by extinction. For children, the farm is one of the most beautiful places in the zoo. Here, animals can be petted and pony riding is possible.

Titi Monkey HouseThis house is the most visited house in the zoo. It houses small Titi monkeys, small primates from South America.

Gorilla HouseThis home of man’s closest relatives houses a permanent exhibition on the life and research of primates. A large part is devoted to "Floquet de Neu", the albino gorilla for whom Barcelona Zoo was famous for many years.

Gallery of the Small PrimatesHere you can see the world of small primates, such as the Brazza monkeys.

PalmeralThe Palmeral is located at the entrance of the zoo. Here in thirteen large aviaries live white cockatoos, Triton cockatoos, macaws, and several other species of parrots.

AquaramaSpectacular views of the underwater world of dolphins.

Floquet de Neu - the only known albino gorilla

One symbol of the zoo that is still well-known today is the world's only known albino gorilla "Floquet de Neu" (Snow Maiden), who delighted enthusiastic visitors to the zoo from 1966 until his death in 2003.

In 1966 "Snowflake” was brought to Barcelona from Central Africa at the age of about 2 years. The baby gorilla was bought by zoologist Jordi Sabater Pi from a farmer who had killed his mother. As a result of his brightly coloured coat the gorilla would have been easy prey for predators.

In the first months the small primate was raised in the home of the zoo veterinarian. Floquet fathered 22 offsprings - an animal record. The Barcelona Zoo wanted to have another white gorilla. But all descendants, even the grandchildren were pitch black.

In 2003 "Copito de Nieve" the Castilian version of Floquet de Neu, passed away as a result of skin cancer aged 39 years. When his illness became known, the queue in front of his enclosure of those who wanted to see him again was several hundred metres long.